Each year the group holds a Christmas collection with the sleigh to raise money to go to local causes.

The story made national headlines after it was first published in The Hinckley Times last week.

The coverage even led to Strad Kyriacou, owner of Chris’s Fish and Chips on High Street in Barwell, generously offering to pay the £35 fine.

Neil, said: “So far it has been in The Sunday Mercury, The Daily Mirror, the Telegraph, The Sun, ITV and BBC Radio Leicester.

“Leicestershire County Council have said the car was illegally parked but luckily Strad has paid the fine for us and we are really grateful.

“It has been the best coverage we could wish for to promote what we do at Christmas. It’s not just in Hinckley - the Round Table has Santas all over the country raising money for their communities.

“I just want to thank the traffic warden for giving us the ticket.”

Parking ticket

To date the Round Table has helped Hinckley Foodbank, Dorothy Goodman School, John Cleveland College, scout groups and Burbage girl Andie Luntley. The group are hoping to raise £5,000 during this year’s appeal.

Neil added: “We are always looking for new members. We do all sorts of thing like shooting, sailing, yachting and raise money for the community. We all pay a £140 members fee.

“We also want to hear from anyone that needs funding.”

The sleigh will visit Roston Drive in Hinckley tonight from 5.50pm to 8pm, Sapcote on Friday December 19 from 5.50pm to 8pm, Tesco on Hawley Road on Saturday December 20 from 8am to 2pm, Nelson Drive in Hinckley on Monday December 22 from 5.50pm to 8pm and Tesco on Wednesday December 24 from 8am to noon.

Hinckley Round Table is a gentleman’s only charity and to join you need to be between the ages of 18 to 45.